Holiday Party Round Up: The TV Guide Network Party at Lucky Strikes Lanes/Lounge at Hollywood & Highland

Bowling FASHION Pins, Onion Rings, Holiday Cocktails, and a beautiful Hollywood & Highland Xmas Tree...

Editor Sandwich : Nick Verreos and two TV Guide's "The Fashion Team" editors

Last week, I was invited to yet, another Holiday Bash: This time it was the TV Guide Network Holiday Party, which was being held at Lucky Strikes Lanes/Lounge at Hollywood & Highland. Fresh off my "Most Memorable Red Carpet Fashion Moments of 2010" segment which I filmed at the W Hotel Los Angeles with stylist Jen Rade and host Lawrence Zarian--in ICE SKATES!!!---

I braved the torrential LA rains (those three words do not belong in a sentence!) and went to the party! I wanted to say "Heeeyyy" to all my wonderful co-workers and the amazing TV Guide people who make me look good (or at least try!) and maybe get some "Holiday" cocktails and nibblings...

Lucky Strike Lanes/Lounge, Hollywood & Highland Complex

Once I arrived at Lucky Strike Lanes/Lounge, the party was in full swing with hundreds of TV Guide-ers drinking, bowling (I know, seriously!?) and partaking in the delicious food that was out. I spotted salads, desserts and even some onion rings (my favorite!). Unfortunately, there were too many prying eyes and I didn't want to show that GAYS actually EAT (so I didn't--but trust me, you KNOW I wanted to ask for a "To-Go" bag!).

Bowling (NOT!) Buddies: Nick Verreos and Michael Anthony Nalepa, TV Guide Holiday Party Lucky Strikes

I didn't see my fellow "The Fashion Team" cohorts--Miss Jen Rade and Lawrence Zarian (I heard I had just missed him!), and I didn't see Chris Harrison (Host of "The Bachelor" and the TV Guide Red Carpet Awards Pre-Shows), but...I did get to hang out with a lot of the behind-the-scenes kids: I said "Hola" to several of my producers (LOVE them!), segment directors, cameramen, sound guys and editors (REALLY LOVE THEM!).

Not that $11 Million Tree: The gorgeously lit Hollywood & Highland Christmas Tree

I had a really fun time, and in case y'all were wondering, NO, I did not bowl. I just mingled. It's more fashionable...Happy Holidays, be safe, be merry and always be FASHIONABLE...and take onion rings TO GO!!!!!

Holiday Party Round-Up: Nick Verreos Attends the E! Entertainment Holiday Party in Westwood, CA!

Doughnuts, In-n-Out Burgers, Desserts Galore, Open Bars...and LOTS o' Taxi's!!!

We Need To Stop Meeting Like This: Kit Scarbo (stylist extraordinaire and Season 4 Project Runway Alumna), and Nick Verreos, E! Entertainment 2010 Holiday Party

Yes kids, it's the Holiday Season, and that means one thing here in LA-LA land: Holiday Parties!!! This last week, I got invited to the E! Entertainment Holiday Bash--for the FIRST TIME! I brought along my NIKOLAKI partner David Paul with me naturally. The party was being held in Westwood near my old "stompin' grounds": UCLA. I attended the University of California, Los Angeles and got my B.A. in (wait for it!) Political Science/International Relations many, many moons ago, before I went on to pursue my real love: FASHION!

Oscar Girls: Former E! host Debbie Matenopulos, Nick Verreos and Kim Kardashian, 2008 Pre-Oscar's Show

As you may know, I have been on E! several times, including the time I did the Pre-Oscar Show with then on-air personality Debbie Matenopulos as well as (Wait For It Part Two!), La Kim Kardashian. I've also recently been filming episodes of Style Network's "Style Star", a show about celebs and their fashion style. In fact, I just found out that "Style Star" is airing on E! International and will begin airing domestically on the Style Network in early 2011!! To make a long story LONGER...an executive from the show was kind enough to invite me to the E! Holiday Party (Yeayyy!!!).

SO...let's get to the PARTY. A full-on parking-lot sized tent was set up (see photo above) near the UCLA campus, for this fabulous E! Entertainment Holiday Party. Inside, there were hundreds--if not thousands of guests, mingling and in their out-of-work/cocktail-attire finest, enjoying the immensity of it all.

Many Open Bars were set up--fully stocked--to serve everyone. There were A LOT of Dessert Tables framing the inside of the tented soiree, with many sweet goodies, including:

Oversized cookies, lollipops, chocolate-covered EVERYTHING, peanut brittle, fresh fruits and...

Smore's Parfait's (they were DELICIOUS, David let me taste his!). Waiters passed around an unending amount of In-N-Out Burgers as well, for those who maybe needed a respite from all the sugar. Speaking of (more) sugar, I made it outside to "get some air" and lo and behold, I was stopped by a Doughnut Wall! Yes, you read right: There was a wall with fresh glazed doughnuts waiting for the guests to start pickin'.

Doughnut Picking: Nick Verreos at the E! Entertainment 2010 Holiday Party "Doughnut Wall"

Once I got done with the In-N-Out burgers and the doughnuts, I began really enjoying myself. I did not see Miss Kim K. or Chelsea Handler or Ryan Seacrest, but...I did run into my Project Runway "sister", the lovely and very stylish Kit Scarbo (as you can see from the photo at the beginning of this post).

I ran into comedienne Loni Love, whom I had recently worked with on Logo's "Gossip Queens" TV Show (she was SOOO sweet!), and saw fellow Style Network "Style Star" commentator Marcella Reynolds as well as frequent E!'s "Daily 10" style expert, Amanda Luttrell Garrigus.

E! Fashionistas: Nick Verreos poses with guests (and E!/Style Network "Style Star" Mini-Divas!) Audrey Angulo and Raika Khosravi, E! Entertainment 2010 Holiday Party

I had an amazing time, but soon enough, it was time to go, and as David and I made our way out, we spotted many, many Taxi Cabs waiting...Oh did I mention: E! made sure to give out Taxi Cab Vouchers so people could get home safely...I know, they think of EVERYTHING! These people really know how to throw a Holiday Party!

Happy Holidays Y'all!

Holiday Party Round-Up: The Magical Elves Tenth Annual Holiday Party--Elf Fest X!!

Magical Party...

Project Runway Couple: Nick Verreos and Kit Scarbo at the Magical Elves Tenth Annual Holiday Party

This last weekend was the Tenth Annual Magical Elves Holiday Party. Magical Elves were the original producers for the first five seasons of Project Runway. They currently are the people behind Top Chef, Top Chef Just Desserts, The Real L Word, and others. The company--headed by Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz--has been having a Holiday Party for the last ten years!

For the "ELF Fest X", they went "all out" as usual, fake snow blowing at the entrance, fully-stocked bars, food for DAYS (the Vegi-Pizza slices and Pigs-in-a-Blanket were my fave), a Sushi Bar and much more.

Bieber Fever: "Elf Fest X" Hosts Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz pose with Justin Bieber cut-out

There was a Photo-Booth and even a fake cut-out of Justin Bieber for drunk--and not-so-drunk guests to live out their "I LOVE ME SOME Justin Bieber" fantasies. I brought along a couple of my best friends, naturally.

Say (Holiday) Cheese: Nick Verreos with friends Erik Moreno (l) and Matt Brubaker (center), Magical Elves Tenth Anniversary Holiday Party

The annual party also asks its guests to bring a toy to benefit the USMC Toys For Tots Program. Waiting to get into the party--with my huge Barbie Gift--it looked as if I was the only guest who obliged by this special "Gift Request", but once I got in, it was nice to see that the "Toy Boxes" were full!

Disco Anyone: The Scene at the Magical Elves Tenth Anniversary Holiday Party

Outside, the party was in full-on "Dance Fever" mode as the house's pool was covered in Plexiglas and transformed into a fabulous dance party with the DJ spinning tunes--from Hip Hop to Disco and 80s.

Producer Love: Nick Verreos and Michael Rucker, Emmy-nominated Producer (and friend)--Love his Vintage X-mas Sweater Vest--yes, it's a SWEATER VEST!

As always, I had a BLAST (I always do at the Magical Elves Parties) and it was especially nice to re-connect with my old Project Runway "family" from back-in-the-day (Gosh, Season 2 was SOOOO long ago!). They've always been kind and respectful to me, and I will always return the sentiments. Can't wait for next year's Holiday Party!

Nick Verreos enjoys the Magical Elves Holiday Party!

Lifetime Meets Bravo...at the Elves Holiday Bash!Posing Ladies: John Wade, Joey Maalouf and Nick Verreos, Magical Elves Holiday Party

The weekend before I left for Washington DC, I was invited to a special Holiday Party. Every year--for the last three at least--Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth, the minds behind Magical Elves throw a fabulous Holiday Party and once again they were kind enough to put me on the list. Magical Elves are the prolific producers of Top Chef, Air Guitar Nation, Project Greenlight and of course, Seasons 1-5 of Project Runway, when it was on the Bravo Network. Even though Project Runway is no longer produced by them, it is nice that they still have me on their "party radar".Disco Divas: My friends Matt Brubaker and Joey Maalouf (being very shady) dance atop the Plexiglas-covered pool

To come to the party, it was de rigueur to bring an unwrapped toy as a present for Toys For Tots. So naturally, I bought a big Barbie Doll with its accompanying dresses. I also brought some of my "boys", including my buddies John Wade, of Marc Jacobs (and from my Season of Project Runway) as well as Joey Maalouf, Rachel Zoe's DIVA hair and make-up stylist, and my life-long friends Erik and Matt. It was a very rainy Saturday night in LA but that didn't stop Jane and Dan from throwing a fun crazy party. In addition to a Plexiglas floor atop their backyard pool (which was the official party dance floor), they also rented a big ol' tent to protect the party guests.
The house was packed with guests dancing, drinking and enjoying the food (loved those mini burgers!). Among the guests, I said "Hello" to my fellow Season 2 cohort, Daniel Franco. I also spotted some Top Chef boys as well as People's Revolution founder Kelly Cutrone, who coincidentally has a new reality show, produced by Magical Elves (I guess that's why she was there) as well as... Australian celebrity chef, cutie Curtis Stone, whom my friends were swooning over (sorry Curtis, I guess you have a gay following). It was a fun party and thank you to Jane and Dan for inviting me. See you next year (I hope)!

Lauren Conrad and Nick Verreos: Fashionable Holidays!

"The Hills"---in West Hollywood...plus another Boutique Opening!Three's Company: Lauren Conrad, her high-school friend Jillian and Nick Verreos, at HERE Lounge

The weekend in LA for some people means relaxing, nice brunches at Quality, House of Pies or the hipster hangout 101 Coffee Shop/Hollywood and, of course, some last minute Holiday Shopping---yeah, I did that. But it also meant "Oh Dear, more Holiday Parties!" Over this last weekend, I was invited by my dear friend, Woody Woodbeck, whom I originally met over a year ago filming a "Where Are They Now?" Project Runway segment. We immediately hit it off and since then have been friends. He had his first Annual "It's A Woody Christmas" event at the HERE Lounge in West Hollywood and of course I wanted to be there.
As soon as I dropped my toy off in the "toy box" (it was done in association with Toys For Tots), I posed with a US Marine (in full uniform, who seemed very comfortable being amongst "The Gays") and made a beeline inside to the bar/club. The place was packed and I soon spotted my former student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM and now friend, the one and only Miss Lauren Conrad. I Love a Man In A Uniform: Nick Verreos poses, with his gift and a "Toys For Tots" Marine

Lauren was in a roped-off "VIP booth" with one of her best friends from high school, Jillian. When I saw Lauren, of course, I turned into a 16 year old screaming girl and screamed "Heeeeyyyy". Lauren and Jillian were both sportin' Urban Outfitters (you know I asked what and who they were wearing and they said "Urban!"). I guess they had gone shopping earlier that day and were showing off their purchases. I would be too. On the other hand, I was wearing year-old Dolce and Gabbana (no shopping for me unfortunately). While we were hanging out, she received a phone call and it was Brody (Jenner). She had another party to be at and so we soon double-kissed and said "Goodbye"!

Gordon Henderson Boutique Opening
Shopping For a Suit: Marc Jacobs' John Wade and Nick Verreos meet up at the Gordon Henderson Store Opening

On Sunday--after a day of shooting my entire NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection for my upcoming new Website (and Look Book), I got a call from my friend John Wade, inviting me to be his "date" at the store opening of the new Gordon Henderson Boutique on Melrose. It took me about 2 minutes to figure it out but Gordon Henderson is---as Victoria Beckham would say---MAJAH! Not only did he apprentice with Calvin Klein, he also won the prestigious Perry Ellis Award back in 1990, and had his own exclusive line of practical, sporty separates through Saks Fifth Avenue. He was also one of People Magazine's Most Sexiest Men---in 1992!!! He is doing Menswear and has a fabulous new store to showcase it. The vibe of the store, and his line of Saville Row-looking hand-finished suits and shirts, were very "Out Of Africa"--like a stylish expat living in Nairobi. Nonchalant tailored chic. He also "collects" vintage menswear pieces from Brooks Brothers as well as other brands and revamps them. So great, I even bought a piece (I know, I cannot help myself at a store opening!). If I was a rich British soccer player with style, I would definitely hit up Gordon Henderson! Just sayin' David Beckham....

Holiday Parties '08 Nick Verreos Wrap Up--Part II

Puppies Meet Project Runway, and then some...Benny: Look Over Here! Nikolaki designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with their dog, Benny

Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Party
Earlier this week, after returning from Miami (the SAME DAY!), I was off and running, in terms of my so-called "social calendar" (Thanks David, for keeping that calendar in check!). First, I was invited to the Beverly Hills Mutt Club "Jingle Bones" Party at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Boutique for dogs, right across from the fabulous Peninsula Hotel. Not only was I invited but so was my "son", Benny and his other "Daddy", David. This would be Benny's chance to get his "Holiday Party" on and maybe get the chance for his first "red carpet" moment.Doggie Party: Benny and his "buddies" at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Jingle Bones Holiday Party

Even though my studio is in Downtown Los Angeles and the party was in Beverly Hills, we spent ONE HOUR driving in wonderful (I am being sarcastic, of course) Los Angeles traffic! And this was not "rush hour" but 7:30 PM! Almost two miles from our party destination, Benny threw up! Yep, I said it! He was OVER it and we hadn't even walked him on the red carpet!! Thank God we kept a towel in my car, just in case for lovely occurrences like this one. Benny's I-ain't-feeling-well mood did a 180 degree change once he saw all the puppies outside the event. He even behaved enough to pose for cameras on the "step and repeat" wall, as we made our way inside doggy couture "Heaven". Beverly Hills Mutt Club "divas": Celina Bojorquez and her mother Sandy Siegler, pose with Nick Verreos and Benny (featuring his new sweater from Pooch Outfitters)

Once inside, we greeted our host, Beverly Hills Mutt Club owner, the beautiful Celina Bojorquez and met her lovely mother as well as mingled with other dog-owning guests. Benny was having the greatest time smelling other dogs booties (what is that all about?) and enjoying all the other dogs. There were more than 50 people in this tiny boutique and the same amount of dogs. Big Ol' Dog: An Irish Wolfhound

But one specific canine caught my eye. It was an Irish Wolfhound (I later found out) and he was HUGE!!! Benny got under him and there was still about 12" of space left above him. I had never seen a dog that big up close! (I know , I need to get out more--maybe visit one or two Westminster Kennel Club Dog Shows)Doggie Daddies: Hair Stylist Dean Banowetz, his Irish Wolfhound Max, and Nick Verreos

His owner was the equally fantastic Dean Banowetz, hair stylist to the stars, including Ryan Seacrest and all of the American Idol contestants. He is the man behind Sanjaya's infamous faux-hawk up-do. Even after the one-hour LA traffic and the "sickies" incident, we all had a fun time. Benny even got to walk out with a stylish new cashmere sweater from Pooch Outfitters (see above photo) and his own engraved crystal-studded tag from Poochi Couture Luxury Dog Jewelry.

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique OpeningKortolicious: Designer Korto Momulu and Nick Verreos, Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening

On the same night as the "Puppy Party", I was also invited to the grand opening of a new Los Angeles clothing store, the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique. The problem was that I still had Benny and was not about to drive back home---an hour away in LA traffic--drop him off and then attend the boutique opening. So I just brought him along! Stylista: Nick Verreos poses with guests at Jane Doe/John Doe Store Opening (she's wearing Jerell Scott's design)

Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique is a new store carrying up-and-coming designers from LA and elsewhere, including the designs of several Project Runway designers such as Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall, and finalists Korto Momolu and Jerell Scott as well. Once we arrived, the opening was in full gear, with guests spilling onto the sidewalk of the store---which is located adjacent to the Beverly Center Mall, on 3rd Street. Inside, it was like a small Project Runway Reunion. Miss Kit Pistol, from Season 4, was there, looking chic as always. I also said "Happy Holidays" to Jerell and Miss Korto, who was wearing one of her own designs, a stretch jersey bandeau dress which hugged EVERY INCH of her curvaceous body. She pointed out that the same dress was being sold at the store of course.
Winning Design: The pink dress at the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique reminded me of this one from Leanne's Final Collection

I spent a little bit of time looking at all the clothing Jane Doe/John Doe carried, but really wanted to see what Leanne Marshall, the Winner of Season 5, had designed to sell at the boutique (she was not at the party unfortunately). Right near the front, was her "section" of three or four pieces that she made for the store. My favorite was a mini bubble gum pink silk organza strapless cocktail dress which reminded me of the cream and baby blue two-piece ensemble from her final Bryant park Collection. It was priced at $2,000 which seemed a little high for a store that carries dresses in the $150-$500 Contemporary range, but it was still very pretty.Rising Talent: Nick Verreos with designer Alice Schoenau, whose line is carried at Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique

I was also intrigued by the designs of young Alice Schoenau. Hers were hanging next to Leanne's and I was especially drawn to a beautiful hammered/washed silk multi-tiered halter gown. Her line was pretty, directional yet still had that "wearable" hanger-appeal. I asked her how she ended up at the boutique and she told me that she literally answered an ad requesting for young emerging designers to be showcased at a new store...Simple as that! Next thing she knew, her mini-line was at Jane Doe/John Doe.
After spending about 30 minutes at the boutique opening, I almost forgot that Benny was with me (David was carrying him around!). He was having a grand ol' time with all the fashionistas, but it was almost 11 PM and it was time to go. Not to mention the fact that someone needed his walk and to go tinkle. Time to go kids...See you at the next Holiday Party!

Xmas Party Nick Verreos Wrap Up--Part 1

Holiday Party Roundup: Project Runway's John Wade and Top Design's Wisit?The Joker and Thurston Howell? John Wade, Michael Rucker and Nick Verreos at the Magical Elves Holiday Party

It's Holiday party time! Last Saturday was a busy night for yours truly. I was invited to a couple of Holiday Parties, one a Birthday for a good friend and another the Magical Elves Holiday Party. The problem was that the day after, I had to get up at 5 AM to catch an early morning transcontinental flight to Miami. So what is a boy to do? Well, go out, naturally!

Art's Fashionable Birthday:Sexy 'Stache: Marc Jacobs' John Wade and birthday boy, Art Conn, Benvenuto Cafe, West Hollywood

I enlisted the go-out aid of my buddy, Season 2 Project Runway designer and Marc Jacobs West Coast "head honcho", John Wade. John was featuring his long hair (I know, it has grown a lot!), giving you a sort of Heath Leger-as-the-Joker vibe. He was also sportin' the very UBER hip moustache which he has had for a while now. Note to Brad Pitt: You were not the first...
My deadline to get home was MIDNITE. I began my night at 8 PM (early for me) and headed to West Hollywood to Benvenuto Restaurant and Cafe' to celebrate my friend Art Conn's Birthday. Art is a successful Hollywood stylist and has worked on projects ranging from American Idol to Vogue Italia shoots with Arianne Phillips (Madonna's stylist and costume designer). Birthday Thriller: Elissa Buchter of Bridge and Tunnel PR, stylist Will Clark and TMZ's Johnny Lopez, sporting his "Thriller" red jacket and deep V t-shirt

Every year, he holds his Birthday at Benvenuto and this year was the same. Why break with tradition? (maybe by now, he gets an "Art Birthday Discount" to use the space!)
Soon after greeting the Birthday Boy, we enjoyed cocktails and munched on meatballs, pizza and chicken skewer hors d'oeuvres (I ate, John did not!) and mingled with other guests, including my other good friend, TMZ writer and fellow UsWeekly Fashion Police commentator, Johnny Lopez, looking very Michael Jackson in "Thriller"...But time was ticking for my Midnight deadline and so we continued on...

Magical Elves Holiday Bash:
TimeBandits Boy: Nick Verreos with TimeBandits Watches designer, Jonathan Stephens and his festive and beautiful wife (love the sequins huney!)

Next stop: The Magical Elves Holiday Bash. After I dropped off my unwrapped toy (it was the necessary get-into-the-party ticket), we instantly said hello to the party's hosts, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth, the reality gurus behind such shows as Top Chef, Project Runway and Step It Up And Dance. The party was in full swing when we arrived at around 10:30 PM, with faux snow blasting from snowman-shaped machines, a photo booth, and an entire backyard pool covered in Plexiglas and turned into a dance floor. This is how you do a Party!

We immediately ran into Magical Elves "Centerfold", producer extraordinaire Michael Rucker, who was working a tartan "smoking jacket" and matching bow tie, along with his accessory du jour: A pipe. He was a sexy yet odd combination of Hugh Hefner meets Thurston Howell III. I also saw Jerrel of Season 5 Project Runway and Kit Pistol from Season 4 as well as a couple of former Top Chef contestants, but that was it, in terms of Bravo "talent"...except...Top Design Meets Project Runway: Season 2 Top Design contestant, Wisit, his partner Nick, Nick Verreos, and John "sexy" Wade, Magical Elves Holiday Party

Soon afterwards, a guy tapped me on the shoulder and said "I'm a big fan...my boyfriend is Wisit from Top Design...Would you like to meet him?" We'll, I almost wanted to do a La Boheme aria right then and there! Of course, I am fan of Top Design and of Wisit. He was reserved yet very friendly as we bonded over the fact that we are both instructors (Wisit also teaches fashion design at a local design school). He told me that he gets asked to sing opera almost as much as I get told "Nick, you should have been a Finalist...and What are you doing NOOOOOWWWWWW??"
John and I danced a while and realized that it was probably way past my bedtime. It was 1 AM and I had to go home to get my 4 hours of discombobulated sleep in order to be somewhat coherent to board my American Airlines flight to Miami the next morning...Bye for now.